Convention 2012

[PLEASE CLICK ALL THE TABS ACROSS THE TOP TO READ THE FULL CONVENTION DETAILS]

The theme for this year's convention is "HEALING THE WOUNDS." Our military and veterans community faces a series of challenges both physical and psychological. We want to highlight the many ways members, their loved ones, and broader support networks are working to rebuild their lives and promote the healing process. These wars have also left communities overseas struggling to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security. We want to work in solidarity with our Afghan and Iraqi counterparts to ensure the wounds they've suffered are never forgotten. We hope to create a space where everyone can feel welcomed while reaffirming our common bonds based on a collective commitment to the work ahead.

All members of Iraq Veterans Against the War are highly encouraged to attend convention. In addition to building relationships with other members, we will be discussing the most important issues facing our GI and veterans movement.Members will have a chance to discuss lessons learned, brainstorm innovative ideas, and develop a common orientation towards the goals and strategy of IVAW for the upcoming year.Members will also meet with the current board and candidates, elect members for open board positions, review the status of our organization including finances, and participate in a Bradley Manning solidarity action at Fort Meade.Key allies and supporters are also welcome to attend convention but are responsible for the cost of their own registration and travel arrangements. We are happy to recommend housing accommodations near the convention site.

REGISTRATION

The early registration deadline is Friday, October 19th. After that point, you can still register but will be responsible for your own housing. Registration fees go toward covering the costs of the venue, food, printing materials and other related convention expenses.PAYMENT OPTIONSYou have three options to make your registration payment:1) Credit Card: Fill out the form to the right and hit "Check Out." This will take you to a payment page where you can fill in your credit card information.2) Check: Email your responses for the form to the right to [email protected] so we know you want to register and mail a check to:IVAWPO Box 3565New York, NY 10008-3565Attn: Convention

3) Pay at the door: Email your responses for the form to the right to [email protected] so we know you want to register. Bring the registration fee of $75 for IVAW members and $100 for allies and supporters.If you have questions about registration, email [email protected] with “Registration” in the subject line.

Room numbers are subject to change.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1st

2:00pm - 10:00pm Registration, informal gathering, and community building (2460)

We welcome workshop proposals from IVAW members. Please fill out this Workshops Application and someone will contact you shortly. The deadline is October 1st.If you have any questions about the workshop application process please email [email protected] with "Workshops" in the subject line.

The convention committee has prioritized creating a safe space for everyone at convention and will make every effort to accommodate for disabilities and any special housing needs.House stays: We have worked with the local activist community to secure housing for IVAW members only near the convention site. Space is very limited. Unfortunately we cannot arrange house stays for allies. Hotels: Members and allies can reserve rooms AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. The following hotels are near the convention site:

TRAVEL STIPENDSAll IVAW Members are highly encouraged to fundraise locally to attend convention.A limited number of travel stipends are available to pay for members travel. Unfortunately, we cannot cover everyone's travel and need to stick to a tight schedule. The deadline is October 1st.Apply for a travel stipend here.A committee will review these applications and determine awards according to availability of funds and financial need. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis so the sooner you submit your application the greater availability of funding. IVAW is unable to subsidize allies or supporters travel.Please email [email protected] with "Travel Stipend" in the subject line if you have any questions.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

At the time of registering you must include your intended arrival and departure date. This information is necessary for us to plan adequate housing and food needs. You do not need to have your itinerary or ticket in hand at the time of registering, but we do encourage you to make travel arrangements ASAP. Please share with us the intended time of your arrival and departure as soon as your plans solidify so we can plan airport pick ups, etc.BY CAR: We encourage members to carpool to convention. It is cost efficient, green, and an excellent way to strategize with members and supporters en route to convention.

We are working out the availability of parking near the convention site.

BY BUS:Greyhound bus tickets can be booked online or by calling 1-800-231-2222.BY AMTRAK:Amtrak train tickets can be booked here or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). The brevity code for Baltimore is “BAL”BY PLANE:The cost for a flight to can be greatly reduced the sooner you book your flight. We recommend checking outKayak.com and budget airlines likeJetBlue orSouthWest. The airport code is “BWI”We will coordinate your pickup at the airport but you need to let us know you need a ride and when you arrive/depart. Private shuttle services or public transportation is available at the airport terminal.

Childcare is being organized for parents bringing their children to convention. Local allies and volunteers will be helping us out.

If you need childcare or would like to volunteer as a childcare provider please email [email protected] with "Childcare" in the subject line.

Update: Kidz City is no longer available to provide childcare as previously announced.